Shawnee Chasser has lived in her tree house for 25 years. Now, all of a sudden it's a problem for Miami-Dade County. The city is claiming that the tree house was built illegally, is unsafe, and must be demolished within the next four months. The 65-year-old is flat out refusing.
“I’m not taking down anything,” Chasser vowed during an interview. “I’ll chain myself to that tree house.”
Chasser began living in the treehouse in 1992, once she realized she didn't really like living indoors. She knows her lifestyle isn't for everyone, but believes it is absolutely for her. She feels connected to nature in the fresh air.
“When I am up in my tree house in thunder, lightning, and rain, I am in heaven,” Chasser said. “There’s nothing nicer, more spiritual, more wonderful.”
The home is built on her daughter's land trust. There weren't any problems until someone called 311 with a complaint. The person said Chasser was running her home like an apartment complex which didn't fit into the suburban neighborhood. While Chasser does rent her property out sometimes, she doesn't see why that's a problem, it's her private proverty.
Chasser has already paid $3,000. The main concern from the city is that there are strict rules for hurricane safety, and that running water and electricity aren't installed. Chasser argues that the tree house has survived a hurricane and that the city treats the tree house as a landmark. They even use it to market the area through their tourism bureau. If they're willing to use the tree house to their benefit, why can't she?
The trouble is Chasser can't afford to pay to have the tree house updated nor does she want to move. The grandmother plans on fighting in the courts.
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